Will the UEFA Women's Euro 2029 (host determined by late 2027) be the first women's continental tournament to feature 20 or more teams in the final stage?

Women's Euro Expansion: 20-Team Final Stage by 2029

The UEFA Women's Euro tournament has historically expanded its format to reflect the rapid growth of the women's game, currently featuring 16 teams. This prediction is that the 2029 edition of the tournament (for which the host will be selected in late 2027) will be the first Women's Euro to feature 20 or more teams in the final tournament.

Demand and Development

This expansion would be driven by:

• **Commercial Success:** The record-breaking attendance and viewership of recent tournaments demonstrate the market demand for a larger event.
• **Increased Competitiveness:** The growing number of UEFA member nations reaching a high competitive standard in the women's game makes a larger field viable and exciting.
• **UEFA Strategy:** A strategic decision by UEFA to use expansion to drive further development and investment in women's football across the continent.

A decision on the 2029 format would likely be made when the host nation is selected in late 2027, making that the critical prediction date.